Tag: blood pressure

Potassium and Magnesium: Precious Minerals for Healthy Blood Pressure

Potassium and Magnesium: Precious Minerals for Healthy Blood Pressure

By Nicole Crane, BS, NTP In the United States alone, 72 million adults, nearly one third of all people over the tender age of 20, have high blood pressure, according to the National Heart and Lung Association. Worldwide, the number of people expected to have 

What Could Happen If You Stop Treating Your Diabetes

What Could Happen If You Stop Treating Your Diabetes

It’s difficult enough to get out of bed in the morning. But for those who must regularly take pills, check their blood sugar levels or give themselves insulin every morning, they may have it a lot harder. Though, maintaining your health, especially with diabetes is 

From Jerry Hickey, R. Ph: Tests Your Doctor May be Missing

From Jerry Hickey, R. Ph: Tests Your Doctor May be Missing

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

The standard blood tests you get during a regular check-up are essential for maintaining your overall wellness – but there are some less common, equally important tests your doctor may not order as part of an exam. These tests can reveal crucial information about your health and might explain any unusual symptoms you’re experiencing.

Here are a few tests worth asking your doctor about during your next visit, as recommended by InVite® Health’s Scientific Director, Jerry Hickey, R.Ph:

  • HBA1c. This is a panoramic view of your blood sugar levels over a three-month period. HBA1c testing is a useful indicator of how well the blood glucose level has been controlled over the past three months. The results may be used to monitor the effects of diet, exercise, and medications on your blood sugar levels.
  • C-Peptide. This is a useful addition to cholesterol and triglyceride tests. C-peptide and insulin are produced at the same rate in your body, so C-peptide testing is a helpful tool in monitoring insulin production.
  • Oxidized LDL. This test lets you know if your cholesterol is going rancid – even if your levels are low, if cholesterol becomes oxidized it’s very dangerous. This test also lets you know if you need to consume more fat-soluble antioxidants.
  • HS-CRP. This test checks for inflammation in the heart and arteries by measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the liver, which indicates inflammation. HS-CRP testing can help predict your risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.

Do you have more questions about Cholesterol? Read Jerry Hickey’s, “The Cholesterol Problem: LDL and HDL”

If you have blood pressure issues, heightened risk of heart disease, or obesity, add the following:

  • NT-proBNP. Measures levels of the protein NT-proBNP to find the condition of heart cells. According to a study led by a researcher at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, this blood test can accurately predict the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and death in patients with known cardiovascular disease.
  • Apo A-1. Apo A-1, a main ingredient in HDL, recycles cholesterol from the tissues back to the liver for further processing. It also prevents cholesterol from forming plaque in the arteries. This test helps evaluate risk factors for heart disease by measuring the levels of Apo A-1 in your blood.
  • Apo B-100. Apo B is a protein found on the surface of LDL particles (“bad” cholesterol). This test measures Apo-B levels to find out how many particles of bad cholesterol your blood contains.
  • Fragment size of HDL and LDL. This test determines the size of HDL particles as compares to LDL particles to help you make better choices in maintaining a proper level of cholesterol.

Read “Natural Remedies for Healthy Blood Sugar” by Nicole Crane, BS, NTP.

If you are anemic or currently experiencing fatigue, add the following:

  • Thyroid Panel. Your thyroid maintains many of your body’s major functions, and when it is either overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), you’ll likely experience symptoms ranging from extreme fatigue to weight changes, insomnia, anxiety and more. A thyroid panel should include testing for TSH, T3, T4, Free T3, and Reverse T3.
  • Iron Test. Iron testing should include ferritin, TIBC and percent saturation, all of which may help determine either too much or too little iron in your body.
  • Gluten Sensitivity Test. There are several tests that can determine gluten sensitivity. It’s worth having your gluten sensitivity checked at least once, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Speak to your doctor for more information about these tests and others that are a concern to you.

Source: Jerry Hickey, R. Ph

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Nutrition Spotlight: Blueberries May Help Lower Blood Pressure

Nutrition Spotlight: Blueberries May Help Lower Blood Pressure

Photo by Jeremy Ricketts on Unsplash If you love blueberries, you’ll want to hear the results of a recent study. According to researchers, eating blueberries – particularly frozen blueberries – may help lower blood pressure levels. For those who suffer from high blood pressure, it 

American Heart Month: Celebrate A Healthy Heart this February!

American Heart Month: Celebrate A Healthy Heart this February!

Photo by Kristina Litvjak on Unsplash February is known for Valentine’s day. But what you might not know is that February is also officially “American Heart Month”. Throughout February, organizations all over the country aim to raise awareness on heart disease and start as many 

Control your Blood Pressure Levels by Jeremy Cubelo

Control your Blood Pressure Levels by Jeremy Cubelo

Photo by Marcelo Leal on Unsplash

Western-style dietary habits can be a major contributor to hypertension, especially in the United States. Nutritionist, Jeremy Cubelo gave us a guide to help maintain healthy blood pressure and there are also those that should be avoided.

Foods to consider

Fish: The omega-3 fatty acids in fish, along with other nutrients, protect blood vessels from plaque, reduce inflammation, and prevent high blood pressure (HBP).

Flax Seed oil: Flaxseeds, like fish, are full of omega-3 fatty acids that shield your blood vessels from plaque.

Celery juice: A common remedy for HBP is celery juice, which can be made with a blender or a juicer. Two to three 8 oz glasses a day for a month can help prevent high blood pressure or restore it to normal. Celery stalk contains over a dozen anti-inflammatory components.

Olive oil: Has beneficial effects on blood lipids and may also lower blood pressure.

Apple cider vinegar: Vinegar alkalizes the body and lowers your blood pressure.

Cucumber: A Natural Diuretic, cucumbers help hydrate and lower the pressure in the arteries.

Skim Milk: provides Calcium and Vitamin D – two nutrients which work as a team to help reduce blood pressure.

Spinach: A great source of fiber packed with potassium, folate and magnesium. These are key ingredients to lowering and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Foods to avoid

Salt: Sodium has long been correlated to chronic ailments such as heart disease, HBP, and osteoporosis.

Coffee: Caffeine can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure. Caffeine can narrow blood vessels by blocking the effects of adenosine, a hormone that helps keep them dilated. Caffeine may also stimulate the adrenal gland to release more cortisol and adrenaline, which causes your blood pressure to increase.

Refined Sugar: Excess sugar ends up being stored as fat in the body, resulting in weight gain. Sugar increases blood pressure, especially in people who are overweight.

Alcohol: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol may raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Alcohol also contains calories and may contribute to unwanted weight gain which is a risk factor for HBP.

Fats: Saturated fats (especially trans-fats) are bad for the heart and blood vessels. Extra strain to the circulatory system can be life-threatening. Instead, consume moderate amounts of unsaturated fatty acids (olive and canola oil)

Red Meat: too much red meat can increase cholesterol in the blood, which can increase fatty deposits in the arteries therefore resulting in HBP.

Processed Food: Most of these foods are high in salt, fats and lack essential nutrients.

Baked Goods: salt is used to bring out the sweet flavor in cookies, cakes, brownies, etc….. They also contain baking soda or baking powder which have added sodium.

What foods are you eating to regulate your blood pressure?

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